October 2013
Free - Take One!
Pearls of Wsidom on the Putting Green
Plus :
Coupons The Bear Trace Course & Cocktails Inside!
Hidden Gem
Amaretto Sour
Tina Sanders
Decades of Winning
Table Of Contents :
Contributors : Writers :
Page 4 & 5 / Hidden Gem, The Bear Trace
Glenn Makin Chuck Cavalaris Joe Sponcia Gina Childs
Page 6 / Course & Cocktails - The Best Amaretto Sour Page 7 / Cover Story - Pearls of the Putting Green Page 8 / Effective Golf Instruction - Perfect Putting
Designers :
Page 9 / Mercedes-Benz Classic
Michael Goldsborough Justin Hudson
Page 10 & 11 / High School Golf - Part 1 Page 12 & 13 / Tina Sauders - Rumbing Through the Decadesl Page 14 / Ya Know Wut Elts Makes Me Sic?
Judith Harville - pg. 8 Golf Tec - pg. 10 & 11 TUSHKUSH - pg. 16 Green Meadow Country Club - pg. 17 Phil Cobble Fine Homes and Land - pg. 20 DOC’s All American Grille - pg. 20
Page 15 / Oscars 2-Man Page 16 / Green Meadow Invitational Page 18 / Patriot Hills Guys and Dolls Page 19 / Dead?! and Still Winning
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A Note from the Publisher support your local golf courses. October is also breast cancer awareness month. We have dedicated a lot of space in this issue to women golf just for that reason. Our very own Gina Childs is a 16 year survivor and has a wonderfully funny / uplifiting story on page 19.
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thought I’d let you know that fall is upon us, just in case you couldn’t tell by all the Pumpkin-Spiced Latte’s from Starbucks walking around. Didn’t I tell you that summer would fly by and we’d all be looking at each other with dizzy eyes saying, “That was fast, I wish I played more golf!” We’ll rest assured, the brisk autumn air is the best to get a round or five in before the brutal cold of an East Tennessee winter wraps it’s brittle, wirey, fingers around us. So get out there an play,
Unfortunately, Ask Chuck didn’t make it into this issue, Chuck Cavalaris was too busy spending time at The Bear Trace – of which he wrote a beautiful piece that will have you jumping in your car to get out there. However, we can always rely on No-Fakin’ to submit his article on time, he wants to make sure we know what makes him sick. Finally, we start a 2 part series on High School golf all across East Tennessee. Part 2 will run in our November Gift guide. Enjoy this issue, support our advertisers, and always make sure to shoot low. Michael Goldsborough Publisher
The Club Hole-in-One and Double Eagle
Mike Ridener, of Knoxville. Legends Moorland Course, Myrtle Beach, SC. 8 / 24, Hole #13, 113 yds, 9-iron.
David Gardner of Harrogate. Waynesville Country Club, Waynesville, NC. 9 / 24, Hole #9, 125 yds, 9-iron.
Matt Fannon, of Knoxville. Creekside Plantation, Seymore, TN. 8 / 18, Hole #2, 200 yds, 4-iron.
Jimmy Hyams of The Sports Animal, Knoxville. Wind River. Hole #13, 115 yds, PW on the fly. Commenting on his hole in one, Jimmy said, “I’ve been playing 47 yrs before my first ace. Moon walked on green afterward a promise I’d made to myself. I did take my golf shoes off and got grass stains on socks.”
The Bear Trace: A Hidden Gem in Knoxville’s Backyard Chuck Cavalaris
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lub pro Kelvin Burgin and several members at the Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain enjoyed an unforgettable golfing experience. They went to Scotland and played 11 rounds in nine days. A few pints aside, it was a top-shelf tour: the best of the best. The list at the home of golf included both St. Andrews courses -- The Old and The New -- along with Murifield, Preswick, both courses at Turnberry and Troon, Carnoustie, Balcomie and Royal Dornoch. “A lot people have a misconception about The New Course,” Burgin said wryly. “It opened in 1895.” Once the laughter subsided, the “Bear Brace guys” shared a common bond from the birth place of golf. They also realized something else: There’s no place like home. Yet 15 years after the Jack Nicklaus signature course opened in Crossville, it continues to be somewhat undiscovered. Many golfers in East Tennessee are more familiar with Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris than a fascinating Bear Trace layout that has sister courses at Harrison Bay in Ooltewah and Tims Ford in Tullahoma. On the flip side, fewer rounds have helped superintendent Tim Brock and staff keep the dynamic par-72 layout in excellent condition. Perfect fairways. Awesome greens. Now where is that? “I wish a lot more people in Knoxville knew about us,” said Burgin, a former Western Kentucky University standout from Somerset and three-time Tennessee PGA champion. “It’s one of the big reasons I still feel like this is a hidden gem. I wish more people did know.” Perhaps the Bear Trace has gotten lost in the shuffle alongside more established golf communities at Fairfield Glade, Lake Tansi, and Deer Creek. Once you find out about the Bear Trace, and actually visit, you can’t wait to go back. It’s that good. But a common refrain is, “The Bear Trace? At Cumberland Mountain? Is that in Cookeville?” Nope. It’s less than eight miles off I-40 and Exit 322 at Peavine Road. If you allow about 60 minutes driving time from Cedar Bluff, you will be greeted by a friendly smile and the warmth of a log cabin clubhouse. Cabin rentals are available at nearby Cumberland Mountain State Park, which could have the best country cooking buffet within 100 miles (or more). Call 1-800-800-BEAR (2327). The golf course has received numerous accolades since opening in 1998. Most recently, Golf Week ranked Bear Trace as the No. 1 public course in the state in 2012 (Stonehenge at Fairfield Glade was No. 4). The Bear Trace also
has been ranked in the Top Ten places to play in North America and received praise from women for the condition of fairways and forward tees. “This is such a great place to be and play golf,” Burgin said. “Crossville really is the golf capital of Tennessee. To have two of the top public courses in the state says it all. It just seems like everybody you meet is nice and happy to be here. Everybody has a lot of options and golf is just one piece of the pie.” The rates are reasonable at The Bear Trace. The best option in the fall could be a $36 twilight rate for 18 holes that starts at noon. Weekday rates are $47 and $35 (seniors) or $53 and $45 on the weekends. The par-4 first hole sets up for the typical Jack Nicklaus fade. In typical Nicklaus fashion, which has been used at more than 400 courses, the natural terrain and elevation changes work hand-in-hand. The par-5 fifth plays downhill with bunkers on both sides of the fairway and an unusually deep pot bunker next to the green. “That pot bunker is just like being in Scotland,” Burgin said. “You don’t want to get in it because there’s hardly any room to get out.” The par-4 seventh is the signature hole. The slightly uphill tee shot must reach a plateau and there’s a two-club elevation change to a narrow green above layered flagstone rock with trouble all around. You definitely don’t want to be short or left because of a natural habitat for -- get this -- snakes. Yes, snakes. Which makes this hole, well, a Snake Trap. #7 also starts a great three-hole finishing stretch on the front. As for the back, it begins with a narrow roller coaster ride of a par-4. If the front is open and forgiving with time to enjoy nature, the back seems to hiss and howl. “The back is hilly and more difficult, for sure,” Burgin said. “The back nine is close to being two shots harder.” But considering the mountain scenery, relatively easy drive and Southern Hospitality, there’s no doubt the Bear Trace is a five-star, “must see” destination. It only makes sense for the Golden Bear to create a golfing gem in Tennessee. Hidden or otherwise. At the Bear Trace, of course. Chuck Cavalaris is an award-winning writer and has been covering golf in Knoxville since 1976. Chuck also is a licensed real estate agent and can be reached at cavgolfer@aol.com
No. 7 From the Fairway
Don’t miss the green short
Jack Nicklaus Signature Hole
Lisa Mickie Clark enjoyed her round
Course
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Cocktails: Amaretto Sour Michael Goldsborough
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eading the name of the cocktail I am writing about, I assume most of you thought of the Jolly Rancher type concoction slung down at bars – made up of overly sweet amaretto and sweet and sour mix. I want to thank your for still reading, and since you are continuing on, you will be rewarded with a beautiful cocktail that will not disappoint. First, word on Amaretto. The etymology of the word tells us that “amaro” is the root, meaning bitter. Second, there is no almonds in it. So any bottle depicting almonds on the label, should be thrown out. Amaretto is made from steeping apricot pits in pure alcohol, anything after that is up to the brand. For instance, Disaronno Original, says they add burnt sugar and “the pure essence of 17 selected herbs and fruit.” Next, how do I feel about sweet and sour mix? Don’t use it. Moving on.
The Recipe 1 1/2 oz Amaretto 3/4 oz cask-proof bourbon 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp of Rich Simple Syrup (2:1) 1/2 oz egg white Build in a boston shaker, dry shake to froth the egg white, add ice, and shake it to wake it up (not put it to sleep) for 15 - 20 seconds. Strain over fresh ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with lemon peel and serve. This reciepe is curtousy of Jeffery Morgenthaler, bartender of the Clyde Common in Portland, OR. Always be safe and consume alcohol responsibly, if you need a ride home, call me and I’ll come pick you up. Coming up is a great Thanksgiving libation that will certianly liven up your feast. Cheers!
A sour is a basic drink that balances the sweetness of sugar with the sourness of citrus. 90% of drinks served behind the bar today can trace their roots back to the sour category in some form. For example, the Margarita, the Daiquiri, and even the Cosmopolitan evolved from the sour. The next thing I am going to say may scare you, but don’t knock it ‘till you try it. This recipe uses egg whites. It acts as a smoothing agent and imparts a velvety mouth feel that is almost required to help take the dry tartness out of the citrus juice. If you’re squeamish, you can buy pasteurized egg white from the grocery store, if you eat raw cookie dough, feel free to just crack an egg and strain out the yolk.
From the Cover:
Pearls of the Putting Green Gina Childs
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n a crisp, sunny September morning, several of the best women golfers from the Knoxville area met to share their experience – and maybe pose for a photo or two – at the beautiful Cherokee Country Club. Below are some of the “Pearls” we enjoyed so much we had to write them down. “90% of putting is between the ears.” - Cricket McKamy, Club Champion Oak Ridge Country Club
Showing the ball she uses which has “Lucky” written on it said, “When it comes to putting, I’d rather be lucky than good” - Francie Elrod, Green Meadow Country Club
“The most accurate putt is the ‘gimme’ putt” - Julie Meier, Cherokee Country Club
“Good putts are like good pearls; you want to show them off!” - Catherine Manning, Club Champion Fox Den Country Club
After a friend mentioned, “Louise, you have a pendulum swing and that’s exactly the way it’s to be done.” She said, “ I had never even heard of the pendulum motion That’s just what always felt the most natural to me.” - 93 year-old Louise Nelson, Beaver Brook Country Club
“On greens like Cherokee’s, I never ground my putter because I don’t want my ball to move.” - Tina Sanders, LPGA golf officiate Thank you ladies – we all need to keep perfecting the art of both reading greens and sinking the putt – but when you’re on the practice green, remember – it’s either half as fast or twice as fast as the greens on the course.
Effective Golf Instruction : Putting Stroke Des Mahoney
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t is not an exaggeration when I say this, but putting is the most important part of your golf game and often, the most overlooked. For instance, four out of every ten shots are hit with the putter. To master thiis all important stoke, you have to think of both the Technical Component and the Feel Component.
Technical
Feel
A correctly fit putter will be the correct length, lie angle, grip size, and shape.
A famous violinist said that if he misses a day of practice that he can tell the difference,if he misses two days of practice -his contemporaries can tell the difference and if he misses three days of practice that his audience can tell the difference. The putter is an instrument and to have good feel I recommend putting for 10 minutes each day in your living room. Practicing 20-25 foot putts will improve your feel.
Tour Players Swing weight is typically from D1 to D4 and usually has a slightly heavy feel to the head. The Gram weight of the head should match up with the length of the putter. A shorter than 33 inch putter needs a little more weight in the head while a longer than 35 inch putter needs a little less head weight. Most Tour Players adhere to a 2 to 3 ratio in their stroke that is for every 2 inches of backstroke they have 3 inches of follow through. Their are small putting lasers now available which allow the golfer to check their aim. The best putting analysis tool is the SAM putt lab. We have the only one available to the public in Tennessee Visit www.scienceandmotion.com for more info.
Pro Note : Get your clubs fitted! We have access to the Sam Putt lab at the Centennial Golf Academy. We can do a putter fitting, lesson, and analysis in 90 minutes.
Des Mahoney has been at Centennial for 13 years and received PGA teacher of the year honors in Tennessee and Hawaii. For more information, contact Des at 865-9192126 or desgolfer@att.net.
A friend of mine was a Tour Rep for many years. He talked to Tiger,Jack,Ben Crenshaw and other of the Top Putters. He found they all did 3 things in common. One of the traits was they had a noticeably Light grip pressure. The old picture of holding a bird is still a good one. Our attitude toward putting tells us a lot about how much pressure we are putting on ourselves. Enjoy The Ride. The Journey Is the Goal.
Arkansas Takes the Mercedes-Benz Classic Gina Childs
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herokee Country Club hosted the 17th annual Mercedes-Benz collegiate championships this year, showcasing a powerful win by Arkansas (563) and a respectable 4th place finish of the Tennessee Vol women (581). Also highlighted, was the skill of UT Vol Chessey Thomas, who tied for 2nd place individual with a -2, 3 shots behind tournament champion Emily Tubert of Arkansas. The tournament had to be squeezed in to a 2-day competition due to the torrential downpour early Saturday morning. Tournament play was halted while officials made the decision to re-start Sunday for the finals which were completed in optimum weather and surprisingly dry coarse conditions. Mark Moon, General Manager of Cherokee stated that:
“This coarse sets up well for ladies. It’s not a real long course, 6,500 yards from the tips, very protective around the greens, an old classic Donald Ross course. We renovated the course about 4 years ago, all new greens, new irrigation system, added about a dozen new bunkers, and 30% more putting surface onthe greens.” The tournament is not only one of the favorites of coaches and players, but of officials and score-keepers. Rules official Bob Strimer of Greenville, Tn.stated that, “This tournament takes care of us like royalty and we (officials) all hope to be invited. Tina (Sanders-director of officials) is phenomenally efficient. We were invited to the tournament banquet and I especially liked meeting Hollis Stacey.” When asked what he and his wife did during the rained-out
Saturday he joked, “She did some serious retail therapy while I alternated between naps and college football games.” Ken Ellis, scorekeeper from Knoxville said, “I greatly enjoy these womens’ tournaments, it’s supportive competition; the ladies are all very supportive of each other. They want to do their best but want their competitors to do their best, also.” In addition to Mercedes-Benz, Sam and Ann Furrow and Joan Cronan sponsored the event. They worked alongside tournament director Angie Boyd-Keck and tournament event manager, Angie Doyle to help make the event a brilliant success. The University of Tennessee Athletics Department hosted the traditional Legends Banquet where Hollis Sta-
cy (Professional Recipient) and Martha Lang (Amateur Recipient) were presented the Legends Women’s Golf Awards for their roles as both ambassadors of the game and outstanding role models for women’s collegiate golfers. Ann Furrow, tournament sponsor from Knoxville and Tina Sanders, tournament rules/officials director have both been Amateur Recipients of this prestigious award in the past. The Lady Vols hosted a golf clinic at the Mack & Johnnie Day Golf Practice facility here in Knoxville which was open to girls and women of all ages. This month they head to Texas for tournaments in Austin and San Antonio. Go to www.utsports.com/sports/w-golf/ for more information.
2013 Division II Class A State Golf Championships District updates:
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ongratulations to the Lady Patriots of Jefferson County H.S. on winning the District 2 AAA Girls Champions held at The Country Club of Morristown. The Lady Patriots fired a team score of 170 to win the title by five shots over second place South-Doyle, who won the Inter Mountain Conference championship last week in Rogersville.
Morristown West was third with a score of 187, edging Morristown East for the final team spot in the Region 1-AAA tournament next week. The Lady Hurricanes shot a 188 and were followed in the team standings by Cherokee (193), Seymour (194), Cocke County (220) and Sevier County (233). Jefferson County was paced by Alex Strong with an 82, which placed her
Girls Results Team Scores
second after she lost a playoff to Cherokee’s Kelli Ann Pearson for the individual title. Kelsey Haun added an 88 for the Lady Patriots. On the boys side, The Cherokee Chiefs won District 2-AAA golf title, also at The Country Club in Morristown. It was their first district win in over 30 years.
Boys Results Team Scores
Franklin Road Academy 322, First Assembly Christian School 326, St. Mary’s 355, Northpoint 371, Webb School of Knoxville 399, Battle Ground Academy 417.
Individual Scores
St. George's 583, Webb School of Knoxville 610, University School of Jackson 615, Northpoint 637, Franklin Road Academy 656, Battle Ground Academy 665.
Individual Scores
Nicole Page (So.), Franklin Road Academy - 73-76--149 Elizabeth England (Sr.), First Assembly Christian --76-74--150 Jenna Burris (Sr.), St. Andrew’s-Sewanee - 77-81--158 Ashlyn Dixon (Sr.), Harding Academy - 83-80--163 Maddie Rhodes (Sr.), St. Mary’s - 84-84--168 Sarah Moon (Jr.), St. George’s - 84-86--170 Maggie Weeks (Sr.), Franklin Road Academy - 88-85--173 Marti White (Jr.), Northpoint - 85-90--175 Grace Ingram (Sr.), First Assembly Christian - 95-81--176 Jamie Kendrick (Fr.), Franklin Road Academy - 93-91--184 Laura Kate Hamilton (Sr.), St. Mary’s - 98-89--187 Emily Davis (Jr.), University School of Nashville - 94-96--190 Shelby Hatchett (Fr.), University School of Jackson - 99-92--191 Rachel Arvizu (So.), Battle Ground Academy - 100-94--194 Shelby Bergner (Fr.), Webb School of Knoxville - 93-101--194
Grant Hirschman (Sr.), St. George's - 70-69--139 Chase Harris (Jr.), University School of Jackson - 68-72--140 Ben Pearson (Sr.), Evangelical Christian School - 67-74--141 Phillip Hickam (Sr.), Northpoint - 73-70--143 Colin Kraus (Sr.), St. George's - 75-71--146 Blake Smith (Jr.), Webb School of Knoxville - 73-75--148 Bo Gwynne (Jr.), Friendship Christian - 78-71--149 Josh Warlick (Sr.), St. George's - 74-75--149 Thomas Keaton (Jr.), Webb School of Knoxville - 76-75--151 Ray Howard (Jr.), University School of Jackson - 75-76--151 Ashton Hunter (Sr.), Franklin Road Academy - 75-76--151 Win Temple (Jr.), Battle Ground Academy - 80-72--152 Winston Margaritis (8th), St. George's - 76-77--153 Turner South (So.), Webb School of Knoxville - 77-78--155 Grant Bodie (Jr.), Webb School of Knoxville - 76-80--156 Ryan Davis (Fr.), University School of Jackson - 77-80--157 William Disspayne (So.), Franklin Road Academy - 75-82--157 Brady Lawrence (Sr.), Battle Ground Academy - 81-78--159
Proud Sponsor of High School Golfers in East Tennessee
High School Golf : Districts 2-4 and Division II Glenn Makin
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s the 2013 High School Golf season is concluding and Districts, Regional and State Championships are progressing, the pulse has been taken and the health of high school golf is alive and well. There are 39 programs in the three districts and private school division in the coverage area of the Golf News of Tennessee. We have come a long way from the days in the mid-50’s when Donnie Varner and a group of golfers from Fulton High School decided to form a team and invite other golfers from nearby schools to join them in what would become high school golf. As the matches grew and the interest spread throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee, the organization we now call High School Golf became a part of the TSSAA. The Districts were formed mostly along the lines of the other sports, with few exceptions. Golf among schools has its rivalries as much as the big three sports. For instance, players from Webb and Farragut, although not in the same district, live in the same neighborhoods, grow up around the same golf courses and compete in and out of school. The same is true of Fulton, Halls, Gibbs and Central players whom compete at Three Ridges, Whittle Springs, or Beaver Brook throughout the Summer and in to the season. The Golf News began offering awards in 1997 at the end of the season for High School Player of the year and Junior Player of the year for both boys and girls. A few of the most outstanding names are now playing professional golf on the PGA, Web.com and NGA Tours. The first that come to mind are Wes Roach and Peter Malnati; both obtaining 2014 PGA Tour cards last month. Of course we can’t leave out Scott Stallings, current PGA Tour member, earning a living and name for himself on and off the courses. Scott has raised the bar for high school and college golfers to learn the business of golf as well as the skill sets needed to compete at the next level. Also included in the group of rising professionals would be Jonathan Hodge, David Holmes, Chas Narramore, and Chase Carroll, just to name a few. In addition, some college players making their way up the radar screen. Lee Whitehead (Tennessee Tech) and Kory Webb (Memphis), Bryce Kendrick (Tennessee Tech), Brandon Rodgers (Tennessee), and Conner Froning (LMU) all have the potential skill and talent to take it to the next level.
Central High School
Jefferson County High School
Bearden High School Boys
Bearden High School Girls
Rumbling Through 5 Decades of Winning Gina Childs
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ost Knoxville Sports Hall of Famers would be content having 40 years of golf championships under their belt as Tina Sanders does. But she has no plans of letting up as she enters into her 5th decade of playing. And that’s just the start. This attractive, sophisticated woman has worked as an official at United States Women’s Opens since 1996, the NCAA Women’s Championships since 1998, has held virtually every office locally and statewide for women’s golf associations, serves as an officer on multiple national golf committees, and has endowed the 8th scholarship for the women’s golf program at UT. She’s served 17 years as a PGA/LPGA/USGA certified Rules Official. “It’s like 3 hours of boredom and a few moments of sheer terror”, she said. “I may have to make a ruling that could cost a player several thousand dollars.” One thing that came as a surprise to me is that officials are not compensated for the arduous, stressful hours and that it actually costs them for travel and lodging every time they officiate – and that’s AFTER the long process of becoming an official. It began with her election as the representative to the Knox Area Women’s Golf Association and from there, countless boards and committees at the Regional and
State level. She attended rules school in Boca Raton, Florida where she studied the 34 rules. After passing the exam – on which one needs to score a 92 or better – she then waited to be invited to her first tournament. She’s been serving ever since. With all the trouble, why she does it? “It’s twofold.” She said, “ Pay back for all the years others provided playing opportunities for me and secondly, to continue the friendships I’ve developed with the other officials.” Tina is an alumn of the University of Tennessee and started her golfing career at Oak Ridge Country Club in 1955. Rabbit Grove was the head pro and golf instructor at that time. At 23 she married Ray Sanders and together they began careers with Boeing which took them all over the United States. With Boeing, both were involved in the space program that sent the first man to the moon. During her travels, she won the very first tournament she entered in Palm Beach, FL setting a course record, then won the club championship 6 years running at The Fairwood club in Seattle, Washington. After returning to East Tennessee in 1975, Tina won the inaugural Knox County Women’s Championship and has numerous wins as Club Champion at Fox Den and 3 times runner-up in the Knox Area Women’s Golf Association. She has been both
Treasurer and President of the Women’s Trans National Golf Association and has served on theUSGA Senior Women’s Championship Committee. She was inducted into the Knoxville Sport’s Hall of Fame in 2006. But besides those remarkable accomplishments. - SHE HAS A WILD SIDE! I was wrapping up the interview and casually asked, “Is there anything about you that people might find surpris-
that she gave up golf from 1990 to 1995. “The thrill of riding is the power and control - you and the machine become one. It’s not like riding in a car, there’s nothing obstructing your view or the scenery or the smells of the outdoors.” She said her friends were amazed to see her in leather – a far cry from her business suits and golf attire. She showed me the 850 pound machine complete with leather tasseled han-
Tina’s Harley Softtail Classic ing?” She hesitated and then said, “Well, I ride a Harley.” Excuse me? “I ride a Harley Softtail Classic and have taken road trips as far as North Dakota.” She continued, “My husband always loved to ride and wanted me to ride with him but I had little interest. One day, he subtly manipulated me by telling me that a friend of ours was going to motorcycle training school and wanted someone to go with him. “I agreed and it was a passion from then on.” It was a passion to the point
dle-bars and I taken aback. I ended by asking what the most difficult part of being a rules official was. She said, “Getting an erratic player where you have to make a lot of rulings. We (officials) always hope they hit down the middle, onto the green and into the hole. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.” Personally, I am pulling for her 5th decade win – so here’s my two-cents worth of advice to Tina: “Let up on that Harley accelerator just a bit.”
Patriot Hills 3-Man Scramble Whaley, Ball & Tabor Come from Behind Glenn Makin
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haley, Ball & Tabor post scores of 58-59 to win the Patriot Hills 3-Man by one shot over Holt, Bales & Franklin. The integrity of the game showed its true colors as the runner-up Patriot Hills team posted a 61 on the first day but chose to stay in the Championship Flight to protect the field as the First Flight started at scores of 60 to 62. Reed, McMahan & Franklin posted a 60 on day one and also joined the Patriot Hills team in the Championship. Whaley, Ball & Tabor came from two-shots down to defeat first round leaders Wyrick, Newport & Guinn
Results Championship 1st- Whaley, Tabor, Ball 58-59--117 2nd- Holt, Bales, Franklin 61-57--118 3rd- Reed, McMahan, Franklin 60-59--119 3rd- Hutchison, Morris, Burton 59-60--119 3rd- Wyrick, Newport, Guinn 56-63--119 First Flight 1st- Herman, York, Cox 60-58—118 2nd- Makin, Rountree, Cleeney 60-60-120 2nd- Wise, Wise, Lane 61-59--120 2nd- Scates, Scates, Harrell 62-58—120 Second Flight 1st- Shockley, Reagan, Craig 63-59--122, 2nd- Willock, Collins, Allen 65-58--123, 3rd- Arrington, Tilson, Jeffers 63-61--124 3rd- Potts, Holmes, Sherrod 64-60-124
Whaley, Tabor, Ball - Winners
“Ya Know Wut Elts Makes Me Sic?” No Fakin’
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’ll tell ya wut elts makes me sic! When someone compares things that aint funny and says, “no pun intended.” So I ask, what in tarnation is a pun? Being the google-guy that I am, I looked it up. It’s a word or phrase with more than one meaning. So I got some puns for ya. Ya may not think they funny but it shore does get ya to thinkin’. In golf that would be, don’t aim at the bunker, it’s a trap. And not about golf, I stayed up all night to see where the sun went and then it dawned on me. The Energizer Bunny was arrested for battery. They told me I had type A blood but it was a Type O. PMS jokes are not funny, period. I’m reading a book on anti-gravity and I cant put it down. So, why pun me, just tell me what you mean and get on with it.
And that reminds me of somethin’ elts wut makes me sic! In politics there is a big difference between Con-
servatives and Liberals, ya cant be both. Pick one and stick with it. But in golf its okay to be conservative some
times and liberal other times. If ya got a bunker in front of the green its okay to go left or right and still hit the green to be safe when you leading. But if you aint leading and you chasin’ its okay to be liberal and go for the pin hoping the green holds the ball. Lets not even bring the PGA Tour in to this conversation, they can actually attack all the time ‘cause they have the all-occasion shots that we don’t.
And that reminds me of somethin’ elts wut makes me sic! Givin’ me a blow by blow description of your round.
Oh come on, I don’t mind hearin’ ‘bout a couple great holes or bad holes, but if I wanted to know ‘bout your whole round I’da asked to play with ya. And ya gotta remember, half the players don’t care how you shot wut ya did and the other half wishes you’d shot 20 higher. Lord knows ya don’t wanna hear ‘bout me round.
1st Annual 2-Man at River Islands Golf Club Miller & Ostby Capture Win Glenn Makin
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ith Tommy Beaver taking over the head pro position at Riv-
er Islands, his first decision was to bring the course back in to the tournament rotation and delivered his first offering as the River Islands 2-man event, held in mid-September.
Eric Miller & Mark Ostby captured the title with rounds of 69-69 to win by one-shot over Justin Rountree & Wes Cleeney as they clawed back from two-down. Boddie Bible & Sasha Catron fell back two-shots after starting the final round tied with Miller & Ostby.
Results Championship Flight 1st- Miller & Ostby 69-69—138 2nd- Rountree & Cleeney 71-68—139 3rd- Bible & Catron 69-71—140 First Flight 1st- Fullen & Whittenburg 72-63—135 2nd- Hutchison & Wilkerson 74-73—147 2nd- Shuff & Shipley 77-70—147 Second Flight 1st- Harmon & Tullock 71-70—141 2nd- Woody & Dunlap 69-73—142 3rd- McWilliams & Ownby 71-74—145 Third Flight 1st- Bowman & Bowman 76-70—146 2nd- Holly & Watzke 76-72—148 3rd- Davis & Davis 76-74--150
Miller & Ostby - Winners
Oscars 2-Man Scramble Holt & Franklin Win Results
Glenn Makin
Championship 1st- Michael Holt & Mark Franklin 29-59-88 2nd- Jimmy Whittenburg & Boddie Bible 29-60-89 3rd- T-Buck & Reman 28-63-91 4th- Bobby Bray & Tyler Keister 31-62—93
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he Oscars 2-man was tested with the elements
Second Flight 1st- Joey Davis & Richie Conway 2nd- Tim Standifer & Joey Hawkins 35-64—99 3rd- Ken Riley & Joe Mayes 35-65—100 4th- Matt & David Long 34-67—101
and emotions as players survived the Saturday of rain to finish 9-holes and a perfect day on Sunday with temps in the low to mid-70’s. It was also an emotional weekend for friends of Johnny Reagan as word spread during the first rain delay that he had passed away from an apparent heart attack at Patriot Hills. With all the distractions Michael Holt & Mark Franklin came away with the champion flight win holding off Jimmy Whittenburg & Boddie Bible for a one shot edge with a 27 hole total of 88 to 89 for the Greeneville duo. T-Buck & Redman led the field at the start of the day but dropped to 3rd place. Bobby Bray & Tyler Keister finished 4th.
Third Flight 1st- Shannon Shliltz & Shane Alder 38-64-102 1st- Glenn Makin & George Allen 36-66—102 3rd-Chad Smelcer & Joe Richey 36-68—104 4th- Mark Ellison & Randy Ramsey 37-69—106 4th- Scott Killian & Steve Samsel 37-69--106
Morristown Golf & Country Club has improved its conditions and the greens in the past 2 years under the new ownership, including controlling partner Buddy McMahan. An amazing turn-around on a 9-hole course with a mix of straight forward and some very challenging par-3’s. Two thumbs up for Buddy, his staff and grounds crew.
First Flight 1st- Gary Franklin & Jim Bales 32-62—95 2nd- Doug Shumate & Chris Wolfenbarger 32-64-96 2nd- TC Campbell & Jeff Campbell 33-63—96 4th- Mike & Joel Seal 32-66—98 4th- Jack Miller & Buddy McMahan 33-65—98
Green Meadow Country Club Invitational Michael Bradshaw Wins with 2-Under Glenn Makin
W
ith the closing of Green Meadow this Spring for the
installation of the new Mini-Verdi Bermuda Greens, the Annual Invitational was postponed until early Fall. With the greens continuing to fill-in the field of participants took to the course Saturday and Sunday the 28th and 29th of September. Michael Bradshaw, continued his winning ways with a two-shot margin over Jake Headrick posting scores of 73 and 70 for a 1-under par total.
In the Open Flights, Head PGA Pro Scott Wilson added a little flair to the tournament by introducing a gross and net division. Prizes were award to the top 4 low gross and top 4 low net. George Bacon was the Gross winner with scores of 80-75, while Jim Vessel posted the low net scores of 67-68 to win that division. The Greens of Green Meadow should be 100% by the end of the
growing season next month and ready to hold approach shots much better. The greens are very receptive to those incoming shots with little or no ball marks being made.
As the two-time World Amateur Champion and member of the
club, Bobby Perkinson, was heard to say. “If you want to score you better hit the front of the greens today. But we are really looking forward to how well the greens will putt as they fill-in.”
Results Championship 1st- Michael Bradshaw 73-70—143 2nd- Jake Headrick 70-75—145 3rd- Kevin Morgan 73-78—151 3rd- Joel Thornton 73-78—151 3rd- Trey Poteet 75-76—151 6th- Trevor Tucker 77-76—153 6th- Gary Wear 76-77—153 Open Division Gross Score 1st- George Bacon 80-75—155 2nd- Wes Cleeney 76-80—156 3rd- Mike Lewis 85-76—161 4th- Bobby Perkinson 83-80—163 Open Division Net Score 1st- Jim Vessel 67-68—135 2nd- Mike Cheek 70-66—136 3rd- Neville Howell 68-69—137 4th- Mike Fuller 68-73--141
George Bacon
Jim Vesel
Stop Aiming at the Flag Stick! Go for the Middle Joe Sponcia
S
ome of us make the game of golf difficult. I’ll be the first to admit; the game is tough and to the beginner, illogical. Have you ever tried to explain how hitting down will make the ball go higher or how swinging easy makes the ball go further than swinging hard? How about this, have you thought about not aiming at the flag to drop your handicap? Sounds crazy, right? Let’s face it, most of us don’t play golf for a living so the thought that we can actually land the ball where we intend may be harder than we think when you consider our PGA tour brethren (from 2013) : •
From the fairway (100-125 yards), the tour averaged 19’8 to the hole. From the rough, 29’1.
•
From the fairway (150-175 yards), the tour averaged 27’7 to the hole. From the rough, 40’9.
•
From the fairway (200 yards), the tour averaged 50’4 to the hole. From the rough, 70’11.
Add 10 feet to these averages to get where your ball might finish. When you consider most greens are 30-40 yards deep and wide, finishing 29’8 feet from 120 yards, to a tucked corner or back pin missed by just a little will probably have us chipping instead of putting adding strokes, but put a putter in your hand from 20-25 feet? I’ll bet you’ll two-putt more often than not, and on occasion, you might even sneak one in for birdie. Not rocket science, but tough to commit to. Want to know the added bonus? Most courses set their pins daily the following way: six pins in the front, six in the middle, and six in the back. Theoretically, you should be putting for birdie at least 3 out of 6 times when the flag is in the middle. Also, when the pin is front or back, assuming the green is 40 yards deep, you’ll be staring at a putt no more than 25 feet. Presto! But what about “go zones”, when I should be trying to stick the shot close from 110 yards? If you are over a 10 handicap, my advice would be to stick with the center until you can consistently play to a single digit handicap. Most of us are better with the flatstick as we’ve already discussed. In addition, commit to a series of lessons from a local PGA Professional. My handicap dropped rapidly from a 12 to a .8, once I found a Professional that I could connect with. My teacher, Byron Williams, mapped out a plan for my body type, my swing limitations (and yes, we all have them), and for the amount of time I could dedicate to my game. That was nearly eleven years ago and I still see him regularly for check-ups.
Patriot Hills Guys & Dolls Libby Gardner & Michael Holt Take Top Honors Glenn Makin
Results
L
ibby Gardner & Michael Holt set the pace on Saturday with a 12-under (60) to lead by one-shot over Gary & Allie Franklin but never looked back on Sunday as they set a blazing pace to win by 3-shots over the father/daughter Franklin team. Improving by a shot on the Franklins, Ruth Meadows & Dean Rutherford pulled to a tie for 2nd place. In a tie for 4th it was Mikoletic & Peel and Shockley & Foust.
In the First Flight, and what was to be Johnny Reagans last tournament. He paired with Theresa Franklin to win by 2-shots over Clifford & Norma Skeen.
Championship 1st- Holt & Gardner 60-62—122 2nd- Franklin & Franklin 61-64—125 2nd- Meadows & Rutherford 62-63—125 4th- Mikoletic & Peel 62-64—126 4th- Shockley & Foust 63-63—126 First Flight 1st- Reagan & Franklin 65-62—127 2nd- Skeen & Skeen 67-62—129 3rd- Jeffers & Jeffers 66-64—130 4th- Harrel & Harrel 65-67—132 4th- Kutney & Jones 67-65—132 Second Flight 1st- Brewer & McElroy 69-66—135 1st- Holt & Holt 73-62—135 3rd- Kitts & Kitts 69-68—137 3rd- Lewis & Lewis 70-67--137
Reagan & Franklin Michael Holt & Libby Garder (not pictured) - Winner
Gary & Ali Franklin
The Craigs
DEAD?!
and Still Winning Golf Tournaments Gina Childs
I
am not now – nor have I ever been - an athlete. So, I can’t imagine why I agreed to play in a breast cancer golf tournament. I have no idea what the format was that day, but it must have been the game where the person with the most strokes wins because - I won. To say I was surprised is beyond an understatement. Even more unbelievable, I was speechless, which doesn’t often happen to me.
Later that day, my family met me on the patio for
dinner and someone looks up at the tournament board and says, “Wow, Gina, you came in first AND you are dead.” We all looked up and yes, I had won, but they had also mistakenly put my name on the breast cancer “In Memorium” list instead of the survivor’s “In Honor” list. In essence, I was dead AND I had won the tournament. How many athletes can clam that distinction?
Another amazing distinction I hold is that my mom inherited breast cancer from me. I got it at 39 - she got it at 74. Go figure. My diagnosis left me speechless. Hers left me speechless, devastated and crying for days. And that brings me to a wonderful thing I inherited from her. That rare emotion of laughter through tears. My favorite emotion, as it turns out. The emotion that says that even though life can be devastating - we will find a way to go on - and yes, even laugh again. After multiple surgeries, chemo sessions, and radiation blasts my mom and I now joke about the fact that we were given so little in “that” de-
partment that we wonder where cancer even found a place to grow.
15 years later, still living in awe that I am a 16 year survivor but even more surprised that I could actually play this game of golf, I won my league championship. The reporter from the Farragut Press followed us the entire round and when it was over, came up to me, stuck a microphone in my face and asked, “Mrs. Childs, what kind of clubs do you use?” More than amused, I laughed and said, “Mis-matched ones from my 3 sons and my ex-husband that I found in my ex-storeroom in my ex-house.” He chuckled and said that maybe I needed to find a newer, matching set. So I started looking for new clubs, but have not found any that improve my game. Therefore, I’ve decided to wait until my handicap is lower than my age to start looking again. By the way, you can ask a woman her age, her weight or her net worth - but never, never, never - ask her handicap. Unexpectedly winning golf tournaments is won-
derfully surprising. However, surprises like death, disease, and divorce can be surprising and devastating. They are like the deep divots one encounters on the fairway or green that stop you dead in your swing or hinder your ball from rolling along as it should. However, also like divots, people can be filled again, and with proper fertilizing, watering, and nurturing, they can heal. They can even have you laughing again. As Mark Twain once said, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” And sometimes, those who were once deemed six-feetunder, can come back - and still win golf tournaments.
Calendar of Events Oct 7 Oakridge CC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Oct 11-13 Dandridge 2-Man/3-Day Shoot-out Oct 14 Dead Horse Lake GC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Oct 21 WindRiver GC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Oct 26-27 Nolichuky View 2-Man Scramble Oct 26-27 Sevierville Golf Course 2-Person Scramble Oct 28 Finals at Fox Den CC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Nov 2 -3 The Country Club 2-Man Scramble Note: Call golf courses for updated information before registering. Also, look for the Golf News of Tennessee 2-Man Lowball / stroke play, coming in early 2014. Details TBA.
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